Offensive player cuts to the wing and receives a pass. Player could also flip the ball to himself.

Defensive player closes out.

Offensive player can not dribble. They must pivot and use ball rips to keep the defender from crowding.

Set a time limit (Ex: 5 Seconds).

If the offensive player keeps the ball, offense wins. If defense gets the ball, defense wins.

Variation - 1 on 1

After the time limit and the offense still has the ball, allow them to go 1on1.

You can verbally say "go" or whistle to signal to the offense and defense that it is time for 1on1.

Variation - 5 Second Pivot, 5 Second Dribble

Another variation would be to have the offense pivot and ball rip for 5 seconds, then perform a stationary dribble for 5 seconds. The defense can be aggressive and go for the steal. Offensive player can not attack the basket.

You can also continuously alternate between the pivot and dribble.

Points of Emphasis:

Use space step.

Rip the ball

Pivot through. Get your head, shoulders, feet, then the ball would be the last thing to come through.

Square to see the rim.

Do not lean away from the defender.

Make conditions in practice harder than what you are going to face in a game.

Drill looks good, but the execution in the video was terrible. Even the coach pivoted and put himself in a weak position, he was in a poor position to shoot or drive,and could only pass.He talked about it but didn't demonstrate looking at the hoop himself.Understand the concept of the drill but the only game like situation it would apply to is if the player had wasted their dribble. If someone over committed like that on defence they would be easy to drive past and probably pick up a foul.

I agree with the previous comment in regards to a good drill, but poorly demonstrated by the coach. As a former referee and coach, i recognize the need to teach this skill. The coach is pivoting and illustrating the side of his foot (not the ball of his foot) as part of the pivot move. It will usually be called as a violation in game situations. However his demonstration of a step forward as the first movement is excellent.

This is helpful for all grades, but especially good for younger players who need to learn to protect the ball and keep it away from the defense. I will definitely be using this drill, and its variations.

sorry, but teaching the straddle is likely to cause a violation of the rules - every player has the right to stand up-right. the player straddling his leg has caused a foul when the offense straightens up.

Good drill, but two concerns with this drill : player turns back to basket and offense. Also, over aggressive defense against a player who still has a dribble can lead to break to basket. Good daily warm-up with partners, 2-3 minutes top.

This is a great drill! It's a common thing to see many kids not strong with the ball when under defensive pressure from one defender. This should help to get rid of the dreaded "turtle" (turning back to defender & basket to protect the ball).

It is amazing that the newsletter shows up just when I need some help!After two games my 2nd graders NEED this drill and I think it will become a regular. We are doing well at most aspects of the game, but not being STRONG with the ball or STRONG gong to get the ball is killing us. Too many "turtles" as Sean said and shying away from the other team...

I like the drill for guided practice with a "soft" defender and then loading in 1v1 game situations, but we need to be careful to avoid building bad habits. A major part of this drill is the rip, and the rip needs to be shoelaces low or high. All rips in this video were done through the middle, which is an easy way to be stripped of the ball. The rip is just as important as the pivot in this situation.

If you keep elbows up and out and arms strong I think you can rip to hip. The ball actually finishes at rest on your hip bone giving three points of stability and less chance to get swatted away. This works especially well for young kids or girls who may not have the hand strength or arm dexterity that boys have. I'm not saying it is the best rip, but is done correctly, it works too. The problem I see in young, tentative players is that they rip with their elbows down and in... and invitation for jump balls and steals.